Local News

A gray Mustang was pulled over at the corner of the Redwood Highway and Rockydale Road Sunday for driving 60 mph in a 45 mph zone. Josephine County Sheriff's deputies then lodged the driver briefly for an out-of-county warrant.

During the traffic stop around 2:05 a.m., Jorges Cuzanero was detained and taken into custody for a San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office warrant for Evading an Officer and Willful Disregard. He was transported to the Josephine County Jail for lodging, and his vehicle was towed from the scene.

The jail was advised later that morning to release Cuzanero and cite him to appear for his warrant instead.

 

Grants Pass Police responded to a Walmart theft report and arrested a man that had been stopped by loss prevention Saturday afternoon.

A call to 911 around 1:37 p.m. reported the suspect was skip scanning at the 135 NE Terry Lane store. Loss prevention requested a police response, and subsequently stopped and detained the cooperative suspect at the grocery side entrance.

Officers arrived and identified the shoplifter as Brian Proctor-Snow. He had attempted to deprive the business of over $300 worth of merchandise, and was promptly arrested.

Police transported Proctor-Snow to the Adult Jail Facility to be lodged for Second Degree Theft, but due to a lack of resources, he was later released.

 

Dispatch was alerted to a break in at the Southern Oregon Sanitation transfer station, leading to an arrest by Grants Pass Police Sunday.

The caller reported Saturday at 11:07 a.m. that the building was broken into the night before. Footage had been captured of the suspect vandalizing the property, causing an estimated $1,500 in damage to the doors, window, and equipment. Various items had been taken as well.

It was believed the suspect was the same that had been arrested for similar activity at the 1381 Redwood Avenue property in September. Officers located the suspect, James McClung, walking on 6th Street near J Street Sunday around 11:36 a.m.

He was taken into custody and lodged in the Josephine County Jail for First Degree charges of Criminal Trespass and Criminal Mischief, Burglary in the Second Degree, and Third Degree Theft.

 

Ballots have been coming in for the November 3rd General Election, with results to be posted throughout the month. According to the County website, unofficial results for tomorrow's election will be posted on the Oregon Secretary of State Website & Josephine County Website: https://results.oregonvotes.gov. As of the latest report, a total of 26,200 ballots have been accepted of the 26,748 received, showing a participation rate of 38.07%. Results will first be announced after 8 p.m. this Tuesday on the City website, and KAJO, KLDR, and KRRM. The final certified results will be posted no later than Monday, November 30th, by 5 p.m.

 

The Oregon Department of Transportation has begun work to repair a damaged traffic signal and sidewalk at the intersection of Oregon Highway 238 and New Hope Road in south Grants Pass. According to ODOT, expect lane closures during the day this week while crews install the new signal mast and arm. Flaggers and pilot cars will provide traffic control while the signal is inoperable. Some traffic control may remain in place at night. The signal replacement is expected to be complete by Thursday, weather permitting. Expect short delays, and use caution. Be sure to watch for workers in the roadway. All work at this location is scheduled for completion by December 1st.

 

Now that clocks have been changed, be sure to test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms as well.

Rural Metro Fire reminds the public to make sure the batteries are good, and that the alarm itself is not older than 10 years. Be sure to replace it if needed. Also check your fire extinguishers by making sure the gauge indicates a full charge (in the green), the hose isn't clogged, and the powder floats freely inside the container when turned upside down.

Having properly functioning alarms near sleeping areas in your home is one of the simplest actions to ensure the safety of you and your family in the event of a fire.

 

The Board of Commissioners met in open session to review and evaluate the employment related performance of Facilities Director Ryan Johnson, who requested an open hearing.

In conclusion to the process after the board decided to implement a performance improvement plan and discuss the informal investigation from their September 28th meeting with Johnson, the board assembled to answer questions before beginning the plan.

Johnson was given a chance to read the documents provided by Human Resources, so at the close, input could be given. He read a statement objecting to how the process has been handled, and stated he didn't receive information prior to today's meeting. He requested the matter be tabled until provided documentation and given time to review with Legal Counsel. Following the statement, he said he wasn't feeling well and was going to take time off, then left the meeting.

Human Resources said Johnson submitted a formal appeal today in response to the process, which will be filed with HR, then potentially go to the Board for final decision.

Commissioners Ron Smith and Colene Martin said it was the first time they had seen a report on the investigation. Per Human Resources, the performance improvement plan was supported by the board, and an attempt was made to deliver it to Johnson. It was reportedly not clear if his response was an acceptance or denial.

Johnson didn't review the documents at the open session. It was recommended that, should he reach out, non-disciplinary action be taken, and assistance be provided to him. Human Resources said they will reach out for clarification on his comment to take time off. Confirmation had been received that everyone was provided and read the Performance Improvement Plan.

Commissioner Smith left to attend to a family matter, and Commissioner Martin adjourned the meeting

 

A WinCo theft suspect was reported by loss prevention and apprehended by responding police Thursday.

A man reported to be wearing camo pants, a camo coat, white shoes, and a black hat was reported to dispatch at 1:36 p.m. after stealing items from the 231 NE Terry Lane grocer. He proceeded to eat the merchandise in his vehicle, and loss prevention requested he not only be charged, but trespassed.

Grants Pass Police arrived and contacted Joshua Keyes and his partner inside the parked Toyota 4-Runner. Both were detained, and Keyes consented to a search of his person, and a baggie with residue was found and tested positive for cocaine.

It was determined less than $50 worth of food was stolen, and Keyes was taken into custody. His partner was released following a search. Officers lodged Keyes in jail for Possession of Cocaine and Third Degree Theft.

 

A woman screaming at McDonalds was reported to dispatch and eventually arrested by Grants Pass Police.

The suspect was reportedly screaming and throwing things by the drive thru exit of the 204 NE Beacon Drive restaurant Thursday around 4:33 p.m. Law enforcement was requested, and they tracked down the suspect at the intersection of Parkway and F Street.

She identified herself as Susan Taylor, but was quickly confirmed to be Natasha Taylor. She was wanted out of the Josephine County Sheriff's Office for Third Degree Theft, and three counts of Second Degree Criminal Trespass.

Officers took Taylor into custody and transported her to the Adult Jail Facility for lodging.